Ski Resorts

Ports of Call

Les Arcs Travel Guide

A modern, purpose-built ski resort, the holiday destination of
Les Arcs comprises four resort villages situated above the town of
Bourg-Saint-Maurice, all linked by a free shuttle bus. Named after
their respective altitudes, Arc 1600, Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 are
built with glass and concrete apartment buildings, purposefully
designed with convenience in mind, while the latest addition to the
resort, Arc 1950, has a more traditional guise and a typically
European village style.

The large and diverse network of well-groomed pistes more than
makes up for any lack of charm, however, and the highest station at
Aiguille Rouge Peak (10,584 ft/3,226m) guarantees excellent snow
conditions from December to April. Its vast trail system has been
linked to that of La Plagne, making the combined Paradiski area one
of the largest interconnected ski and snowboard areas in the
world.

Arc 1800 is the biggest and most popular resort, consisting of
four villages, and is the most conveniently situated for all levels
of skiers and non-skiers on holiday, while just below, Arc 1600 is
smaller and suited to young families, although it can get crowded
on weekends due to the direct funicular link from the town of Bourg
Saint Maurice.

More devoted snow enthusiasts prefer to head to the highest
resort, Arc 2000, situated at the foot of Aiguille Rouge in the
next valley, where the emphasis is on skiing and snowboarding
rather than apres-ski holiday facilities. It has easy access to the
glacier and is linked to Arc 1950 by a free cable car.

There are a few other villages in the area that, while not
officially part of the resort, are seamlessly connected and offer
their own accommodation and ski areas as well. These include
Vallandry, Peisey, Plan-Peisey, Le Pre and Villaroger.

The vast terrain of Les Arcs offers good skiing for all levels
of skiers and snowboarders on holiday, with easy access to the
excellent nursery slopes from all the villages for beginners.
Intermediates are the most spoilt for choice, with abundant blue
and red runs throughout the area, while advanced skiers should head
to the high pistes above Arc 2000 and the black runs on the
Aiguille Rouge peak.

Off-piste opportunities are also available in Les Arcs. Snow
conditions on the higher pistes are generally good, and snow
cannons keep the sunnier, lower slopes covered. There is also a
good snowboard park with jumps and a half pipe at Arc 2000.

Visitors on holiday in Les Arcs will find there are supermarkets
in all the villages and a variety of shops, although Arc 1800 has
the most choice. Arc 1950 also offers a wide range of shops, from
clothes and souvenirs to sport equipment and rental. Arc 2000 has
the least variety, and more serious shoppers should head to the
lower altitudes for better options.

All the Les Arcs villages offer a variety of dining options to
enjoy on holiday, from local specialities to international cuisine.
Arc 1800 has the biggest variety, while Arc 1600 and Arc 2000 have
only a few restaurants to choose from.

Les Arcs is a year-round holiday resort with a huge variety of
summer and winter activities, from climbing, hiking, horse riding
and golf in summer, to sleigh rides, paragliding and snow-shoeing
in winter. Bourg-Saint-Maurice is worth a visit and there are
several interesting excursions to villages in the area, an ice
grotto and several museums to explore.